Strong's Lexicon stenochóreó: To be distressed, to be in difficulty, to be in a narrow place Original Word: στενοχωρέω Word Origin: From the combination of two Greek words: "στενός" (stenos), meaning "narrow" or "confined," and "χωρέω" (chóreó), meaning "to make room" or "to go." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "stenochóreó," similar concepts can be found in words like "צָרַר" (tsarar), meaning "to bind" or "to be in distress," and "מְצוּקָה" (metsuqah), meaning "distress" or "straits." Usage: The verb "stenochóreó" conveys the idea of being in a state of distress or experiencing hardship. It often implies being in a situation where one feels confined or restricted, both physically and emotionally. In the New Testament, it is used to describe the pressures and afflictions faced by believers, often in the context of persecution or spiritual struggle. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of being in a "narrow place" was a common metaphor for experiencing difficulties or challenges. The early Christians, living under Roman rule, often faced persecution and societal pressures that made their faith journey challenging. The use of "stenochóreó" in the New Testament reflects the reality of these struggles and the need for perseverance and reliance on God's strength. HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 4729 stenoxōréō (from 4728 /stenós, "narrow" and 5566/ NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom stenos and chóreó Definition to be made narrow, to compress NASB Translation crushed (1), restrained (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4729: στενοχωρέωστενοχωρέω, στενοχώρω: (στενόχωρος; and this from στενός, and χῶρος a space); 1. intransitive, to be in a strait place (Machon in Athen. 13, p. 582 b.); to be narrow (Isaiah 49:19). 2. transitive, to straiten, compress, cramp, reduce to straits (Vulg.angustio) (Diodorus, Lucian, Herodian, others; (the Sept. Joshua 17:15; Judges 16:16; Isaiah 28:20; 4 Macc. 11:11)): passive tropically, of one sorely 'straitened' in spirit, 2 Corinthians 4:8; οὐ στενοχωρεῖσθε ἐν ἡμῖν, ye are not straitened in us, ample space is granted you in our souls, i. e. we enfold you with large affection, 2 Corinthians 6:12; στενοχωρεῖσθε ἐν τοῖς σπλάγχνοις ὑμῶν, ye are straitened your own affections, so that there is no room there for us, i. e. you do not grant a place in your heart for love toward me, ibid. From the same as stenochoria; to hem in closely, i.e. (figuratively) cramp -- distress, straiten. see GREEK stenochoria Englishman's Concordance 2 Corinthians 4:8 V-PPM/P-NMPGRK: ἀλλ' οὐ στενοχωρούμενοι ἀπορούμενοι ἀλλ' NAS: in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, KJV: not distressed; [we are] perplexed, INT: but not crushed perplexed but 2 Corinthians 6:12 V-PIM/P-2P 2 Corinthians 6:12 V-PIM/P-2P Strong's Greek 4729 |